2: Microbe-mediated “attract and kill’ method for attracting and managing Aedes mosquitoes

Aedes aegypti mosquitoes are major vectors for dengue, Zika, Chikungunya, and urban yellow fever viruses, all of which contribute significantly to human morbidity and mortality globally. Our innovative “attract-and-kill” trap builds on the concept that oviposition is mediated by specific physical and chemical cues in the environment, and once the cues are identified, they can be used not only to improve population monitoring, but more importantly, to create a Lure-and-Kill control strategy for gravid mosquitoes. In our work, we prepared and screened plant leaf infusions to identify those that were attractive to gravid adult Aedes mosquitoes; we isolated and screened different bacterial isolates for oviposition attractancy through behavioral bioassays; the most attractive bacteria were formulated using sodium alginate encapsulation techniques for long time survival of the bio-active bacteria; and the “bacterial beads” then lyophilized for long-term storage at room temperature. We also developed a novel trap design and tested the technology in a dengue-endemic area in Iquitos, Peru. Our field data suggests that the Attractive Lethal Ovitrap (ALOT) targeted older aged female Ae. aegypti that would be infected and effectively reduced dengue virus transmission. This technology has been patented.